House committee questions Toyota’s testing

WASHINGTON — A House committee is questioning how rigorously Toyota tested for sudden acceleration in its vehicles and is asking the automaker for more records on the safety issues.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee writes in a letter to Toyota executive Jim Lentz Friday that there is “an absence of documents” showing that Toyota has thoroughly investigated the possibility of unintended acceleration.

The committee wants to know which company officials have been involved in the testing and is seeking quarterly reports detailing allegations of the unwanted acceleration. It also wants more details on brake override systems and the vehicle’s “black box” information.

Toyota has recalled more than 8 million vehicles worldwide to address gas pedals that can become sticky or trapped under floor mats, prompting scrutiny from Congress.